The Ohio State House

25 Reasons to Join ORTA

Last Update
July 2, 2008

Legislative News 2008

ORTA Executive Director Ann Hanning continues monthly stakeholders meetings with Rep. Oelslager, sponsor of HB315. Representatives from OASBO and OSBA attended the meeting on June 24 and requested more actuarial information. Members are encouraged to continue contacting their legislators and candidates and seek support fo HB315.

Ann Hanning is participating in the governor's Public Education Reform Advisory Group bi-weekly meetings with representatives from education groups and some members of the Governor's staff on education reform issues.

Meetings are also taking place with other groups and a three-day institute for three hundred held July 19-21. There are plans to have twelve regional meetings beginning in August. The Governor is preparing to introduce his education reform proposals in the 128th General Assembly which begins in January.

HB315 Helps

1. One Minute Message for HCA/STRS Health Care Proposal (HB315)
   *Important note: When sending postcards and/or letters to legislators, please include your return address so that they can respond to your comments.

2. Contact information for the FIRES Committee where HB 315 has been referred. This is an updated list.

3. Print mailing labels for FIRES Committee (Microsoft Word) The labels have been updated.
4. Literature: Addressing the Challenge
   STRS Health Care Initiative (pdf for printing)
5. Health Care Initiative Updates (Also, Includes Health Care Funding Initiative Frequently Asked Questions Update and the Final Version of STRS Responses to OSBA/OASBO "Toolkit: Comments".)

Hearings Continue on HB 270 Re-employed Retirees & HB 574 (New Bill) Re-employed Retirees Introduced

Bills Introduced in May '08 Regarding Community Schools

Ann Hanning's Written Testimony on HB433

Information on the Federal Economic Stimulus Package

NRTA Legislative Report for April 2008

Some Election Legislation News for You

Hearing Scheduled for HB433 Income Tax Exemption

Democratic Leadership of Senate Changes

Republicans Shuffle Committees

SERS Benefits Elibigility (SB148) Passes in the House Signed by Governor on 2-13-08. Becomes law in 90 days.

SB141 (Padgett) Community School Accountability Hearing Held

HR82 (WEP/GPO) Scheduled for Hearing January 16, 2008

Legislative News Archive 2007

Every ORTA chapter must have a willing, active and responsible legislative chairman who can and will organize the chapter effectively for quick communication of information related to pending legislation when such is needed.

Plans should be ready for getting in touch with local legislators in person or by letter when appropriate.

ORTA Legislative Policy includes the following: To safeguard the actuarial soundness of the State Teachers Retirement System through legislation that would guarantee the funding of benefit improvements on a long-term basis.

ORTA checks and posts information about legislation/bills that are of interest to retired teachers. Check www.orta.org often.

ORTA newsletters and legislative bulletins keep chapter officers and legislative chairmen informed of developments related to legislation.